Choosing the right garden designer
Choosing a garden designer is about finding someone who understands your property, how you want to use it and what you can realistically invest. A beautiful portfolio is a useful starting point, but the conversation behind those photographs matters just as much.
Look beyond the finished photograph
Ask to see how a project developed: the original problem, the design, the decisions made and the completed work. Look for evidence of thoughtful layout, planting and construction, rather than simply a style you like.
Where the garden meets the house, ask how doors, views, levels and outdoor spaces were considered together.
Understand the appointment
Find out what you will receive at each stage. Does the appointment cover an initial concept, detailed drawings, planting, specifications or support during construction? Who will handle specialist advice where it is needed?
Ask for a clear explanation of fees, exclusions and how changes to the brief will be handled. The aim is to understand both the creative proposal and the practical route to delivering it.
Have an honest first conversation
Share your priorities, budget expectations and appetite for looking after the garden. Explain what you want to keep as well as what frustrates you.
A useful discussion should help you judge whether the designer listens, asks sensible questions and can explain the choices ahead. At Dewlands, we start by understanding the property and what you want it to become, before deciding what to design.